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Cultic Studies Journal
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The
Cadre Ideal: Origins and Development of a Political Cult
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Psychological
Manipulation and Society: cults, cult groups, new religious movements
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Cultic
Studies Journal
Psychological Manipulation and Society
Vol. 9, No. 1, 1992
The
Cadre Ideal: Origins and Development of a Political Cult
- Janja
Lalich
Alameda, California
Abstract
A little-explored sector of the cult world is the
political cult.
Those who join such cults are usually seeking to change society in some fundamental way --
right or left -- and are thereby willing to make great sacrifices to attain their lofty
goals. This idealistic commitment is abused by political cult leaders who skillfully
exploit the members' desire to serve. This paper, adapted from a work-in-progress,
dissects the founding and development of a now defunct political cult. The article shows
how
thought
reform was achieved through the group's indoctrination and training methods,
carried out under the pretense of "working for the greater good," and details
specific manipulative techniques that served to create and uphold a cultic environment and
a harsh and exclusionary life-style.
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CSJ